Chad Dean Mays

Chad Dean Mays, 56, of Howe, Idaho, passed away on April 19, 2026, at home surrounded by his family.

Chad was born on April 1, 1970, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Darrel Dean and Marcheta Mays. He grew up in Howe on his family’s ranch alongside his two brothers and sister. He earned his GED and then lived and worked in Twin Falls, Idaho, before returning to Eastern Idaho to pursue welding classes at Idaho State University and later work at the Idaho National Laboratory as part of the labor union. He eventually settled in Howe, where he worked alongside his family on their ranch.

Chad was known for his deep love of hunting, fishing, ranching, and, above all, his family, and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and friend. He married the love of his life, Bethanie M. Mays, on September 11, 2004, at Sawmill Canyon. Together, they were blessed with two sons, Cole (Mallory) and Ridge, and one granddaughter, Loryn, who lovingly knew him as “Captain Pop-Pop.”

He is survived by his wife, Bethanie; his sons, Cole (Mallory) and Ridge Mays; his granddaughter, Loryn Mays; his parents, Dean and Marcheta Mays; his sister, Aimee (Wayne) Mowery; his brother, Neil Mays; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmie Mays, and his grandparents.

A viewing will be held on April 24, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Anderson Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place on April 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Howe

Community Center. Interment will be in the Howe Cemetery under the care of the Anderson Family Funeral Home.

Chad was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. “Captain Pop-Pop” will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who loved him most.